The locomotive is part of a February 2023 framework agreement for up to 50 bi-mode locomotives, including a first call-off for 13 units and a 10-year maintenance contract.
The EuroDual locomotive offers an unparalleled combination of power, flexibility, and efficiency, making it an ideal solution for the challenging railway landscapes of the Balkan region.
The contract notice was published on 14 April 2026, with requests to participate due by 6 May 2026.
České dráhy (ČD), the Czech national railway carrier, has launched the sale of surplus multisystem locomotives as part of its fleet modernisation strategy.
The partnership strengthens Akiem’s operational presence near the port of Marseille and key freight hubs in Miramas and Fos-sur-Mer.
The programme covers the modernisation of 19 locomotives.
The approvals, announced on 13 April 2026, follow Serbia’s earlier authorisation in 2023 and enable cross-border operations linking Central Europe with the Adriatic region.
The units were handed over on 8 April 2026 and have already entered service, enabling the retirement of five legacy locomotives with an average age of 40 years.
The updates include eight new passenger wagons on the Astana–Omsk service and the commissioning of 24 locomotives across multiple depots.
The transaction refinances existing debt and provides funding to support the company’s growth in locomotive and passenger train leasing and maintenance across Europe.
According to Northrail, the expandable configuration will enable operations in countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia once the relevant packages are activated.
The dual-power locomotive will feature specific technical approvals for operation in Slovakia and the Czech Republic alongside existing DACH region certification.
The first locomotive body has already been produced, with the initial unit scheduled to arrive in Ukraine in early 2027 for certification and resource testing. Delivery of the full fleet of 55 locomotives is planned by May 2029.
The remaining locomotives are scheduled for delivery through 2026.
The delivery concludes a fleet expansion program supporting a transition to direct operational control on the Vitória-Minas Railway.
The order comprises 10 locomotives and 91 coaches, scheduled to enter service on the Stockholm–Narvik and Stockholm–Umeå routes from 2030.
The agreement is valued at EUR 21.7m (PLN 96m) gross and covers the deep refurbishment of the regional operator’s push-pull motive power.
The locomotive will operate under 15 kV AC electrification and on diesel in non-electrified sections without changing traction.
The locomotive will be deployed in international freight operations across Europe.
The locomotive is one of 16 that Alstom manufactures for Romanian ARF.